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Metabolic Mind

Bret Scher

Metabolic Mind is working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. Metabolic interventions like ketogenic therapy are being used to treat serious mental illnesses like Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Major Depressive Disorder. We explore topics that can help you understand how Metabolic Psychiatry might help you or a loved one treat mental disorders

Watch our videos at https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind

Our channel is for information only. Consult your physician before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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  • 49 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 22 min
  • English

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  • Yesterday · 51 min

    Dr. Georgia Ede on ADHD, Brain Metabolism, and Ketogenic Therapy

    ADHD is often described as a problem with attention or hyperactivity, but psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Ede argues that the condition is much more complex, involving executive function, dopamine regulation, and potentially brain energy metabolism. In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher and Dr. Georgia Ede take a deeper look at ADHD, from how it is diagnosed and treated to emerging research on nutrition and glucose metabolism, including questions about ketogenic therapy Dr. Ede draws on years of experience treating ADHD, including her time at Harvard University, Smith College, and the Hallowell Center. She explains why some people living with ADHD can focus intensely on things that interest them while struggling with everyday tasks, why stimulants can be so effective for some people, and where lifestyle strategies may fit alongside conventional care. They cover: What ADHD actually is and why the name can be misleading How inattentive and hyperactive symptoms can look very different Why ADHD can affect work, relationships, self-esteem, and quality of life How stimulant and non-stimulant medications work What older studies found when children living with ADHD followed simplified whole-food diets Evidence of altered brain glucose metabolism in ADHD Why researchers are exploring possible links between ADHD and metabolic health, including research on mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation What Dr. Ede has observed clinically with whole-food and ketogenic approaches How ketogenic therapy may interact with stimulant medications Why there is no established ketone level for ADHD The first randomized controlled trial now underway at Oxford studying ketogenic therapy in adults living with ADHD and depression The clinical evidence for ketogenic therapy in ADHD is still early, and Dr. Ede emphasizes that we do not yet know how effective it will be or who is most likely to benefit. But with research now underway, the metabolic side of ADHD is becoming an important area to watch. Anyone considering dietary or medication changes should discuss them with their healthcare provider. Medication adjustments require supervision from a prescribing clinician. 👉 Interested in learning more about the potential connection between ADHD and metabolic health? Check out our blog: https://www.metabolicmind.org/resources/library/blog/stories/ketogenic-therapy-for-adhd/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #ADHD #KetogenicTherapy #MetabolicPsychiatry Expert Featured: Dr. Georgia Ede, MD- Author, Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiaedemd/ https://x.com/GeorgiaEdeMD https://www.instagram.com/georgiaedemd/ Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

  • Saturday · 25 min

    Q&A: Carnivore Protein Levels, Key Nutrients, and Keto After Menopause

    Does perimenopause make ketosis harder? Can a carnivore diet provide too much protein? And which nutrient deficiencies matter most for mental health? In this episode of Metabolic Mailbag, Dr. Bret Scher and psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Ede answer listener questions about ketogenic therapy, menopause, carnivore diets, protein intake, and nutrition for mental health. They discuss how hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect insulin sensitivity and ketone levels, and why some women may need to adjust their carbohydrate intake, exercise, or other aspects of their routine to maintain the same metabolic response. They also cover: Why perimenopause and menopause can make ketosis more difficult How changing estrogen levels may affect insulin resistance and mental health Histamine intolerance and gut changes during perimenopause Whether carnivore diets can become too high in protein How to think about protein intake when therapeutic ketosis is the goal Why adding fat may help adjust the protein-to-fat ratio on carnivore Common nutrient deficiencies that can affect mental health The roles of B12, choline, folate, iron, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids Why correcting a deficiency does not always resolve psychiatric symptoms The difference between folic acid and methylfolate Dr. Ede also shares why appetite and satiety can feel very different on a well-formulated ketogenic or carnivore diet, and why individual needs often change over time. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #QuestionAndAnswer #KetogenicTherapy Expert Featured: Dr. Georgia Ede, MD- Author, Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiaedemd/ https://x.com/GeorgiaEdeMD https://www.instagram.com/georgiaedemd/ Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

  • Thursday · 7 min

    BITESIZE: What “Healthy” Food Labels May Be Hiding

    Some “healthy” foods may be working against your metabolic health. In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher examines how products such as agave nectar, commercial green juices, low-fat fruit yogurt, and açaí bowls can create a health halo while delivering large amounts of rapidly digestible sugar. Dr. Scher explains how liquid carbohydrates, added sugars, and concentrated fructose may affect satiety, insulin response, hunger, and other markers of metabolic health. He also examines how front-of-package phrases such as “natural,” “low fat,” “made with real fruit,” and “superfood” can make certain products appear healthier than their nutrition labels suggest. The episode covers: How liquid and rapidly digestible carbohydrates affect satiety differently from whole foods Why agave nectar’s low glycemic index does not tell the full story about how its fructose content is processed by the liver How removing fiber and adding fruit can change the metabolic effects of some commercial green juices How some low-fat fruit yogurts replace fat with added sugar Why some açaí bowls can deliver a large, rapidly absorbed sugar load How to assess total carbohydrates, added sugar, and ingredient lists Why front-of-package health claims may offer an incomplete picture of a food’s nutritional content This episode offers a practical guide to recognizing misleading health claims and evaluating nutrition labels through a metabolic health lens. 👉 Want to stay up to date with the latest research on metabolic health and metabolic psychiatry? Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine Expert Featured: Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://x.com/bschermd Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

  • October 13 · 1 hr

    Dr. Bill Schindler on Ancestral Diets and Modern Nutrition

    How did humans go from being deeply connected to our food to barely knowing where it comes from or how it was made? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with experimental archaeologist and chef Dr. Bill Schindler about what human evolution can teach us about food, nutrition, and the way we eat today. Drawing on archaeology and his time with hunter-gatherer communities around the world, Dr. Schindler traces how human diets changed through hunting, food processing, agriculture, and eventually the modern food system. A major turning point came with agriculture. Dr. Schindler describes how dietary diversity declined as societies became more dependent on a smaller number of staple crops, while people also became increasingly removed from the source and preparation of their food. They cover: How hunting and food processing shaped human evolution What changed when humans transitioned to agriculture What Dr. Schindler has learned from spending time with modern hunter-gatherer communities Why those communities cannot be viewed as untouched examples of ancestral life How culture and environment shape what different populations eat Why nourishment involves more than macronutrients alone How food traditions can create a deeper connection to what we eat Why Dr. Schindler and his wife Christina created the Modern Stone Age Kitchen How fermentation, sourdough, nose-to-tail cooking, and other traditional techniques are used in a modern restaurant Why the way food is prepared may be just as important as the ingredients themselves At the Modern Stone Age Kitchen, Dr. Schindler has tried to bring those lessons into everyday life by making familiar foods from scratch and using traditional preparation methods to improve nutrient density and reconnect people with the story behind their food. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #AncestralNutrition #MetabolicMind #FoodAsMedicine Expert Featured: Dr. Bill Schindler https://www.instagram.com/drbillschindler/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-bill-schindler-46243211 https://www.facebook.com/drbillschindler/ https://www.facebook.com/modernstoneagekitchen/ https://www.instagram.com/themodernstoneage https://www.youtube.com/@themodernstoneage Resources Mentioned: https://modernstoneage.com/ https://modernstoneage.circle.so/ancestral-table-home https://modernstoneage.com/shop/p/eat-like-a-human-autographed-book Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

  • October 11 · 6 min

    BITESIZE: Ketogenic Diet Dangerous? Breaking Down the New Study

    A new study claims ketogenic diets cause liver damage and early death. Here’s what you need to know. A 2025 mouse study recently made headlines, warning that ketogenic diets may lead to fatty liver, high triglycerides, and a shortened lifespan. But here’s the catch: These findings were in genetically altered mice fed a 90% fat diet, filled with highly synthetic components, and they contradict what human trials have shown again and again. In real people, ketogenic diets have consistently been linked to: ✅ Lower liver fat and improved liver enzymes ✅ Reduced triglycerides ✅ Improved insulin sensitivity and A1c ✅ Medication reduction or even remission in type 2 diabetes So why the disconnect? In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks it down: What the mouse study really showed (and what it didn’t) Key biological differences between mice and humans Why human evidence still supports a well-formulated ketogenic diet’s safety and benefits What to look for when evaluating nutrition headlines Animal data can provide hints and raise important questions, but when human trials show clear benefits, that’s the signal we should trust. 👉 Learn more about the powerful effect of metabolic therapies on the brain and body by subscribing to Metabolic Mind: https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher Baszucki Group Medical Director https://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: A long-term ketogenic diet causes hyperlipidemia, liver dysfunction, and glucose intolerance from impaired insulin secretion in mice https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adx2752 Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

  • October 8 · 19 min

    Q&A: Food Noise, Aging on Low-Carb, Carnivore Microbiome & Keto Snacks

    Can ketosis change symptoms of bulimia? Is low-carb eating safe in your 80s? And what really happens to digestion on a carnivore diet? In this episode of Metabolic Mailbag, Dr. Bret Scher answers questions about ketogenic therapy for eating disorders, low-carb diets in older adults, carnivore diets and gut health, constipation on a ketogenic diet, and even a few easy keto movie-night snacks. He also looks at why being in ketosis may affect symptoms differently than simply eating low carb, what to consider when fasting later in life, and how to think about bowel habits and microbiome changes when fiber intake is very low. He covers: Whether intermittent fasting and low-carb eating are appropriate at age 81 Why adequate protein remains important with fasting What current research suggests about ketogenic therapy and eating disorders Fiber, bowel habits, and constipation on carnivore and ketogenic diets What emerging research suggests about microbiome diversity on carnivore Magnesium options for constipation Simple keto snack ideas for a movie night As always, Dr. Scher emphasizes individual context, clinical guidance, and the importance of looking beyond a single number or dietary rule. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #MetabolicMailbag Expert Featured: Bret Scher, MD https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: Papers https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06000774 https://toward.health/dr-tro-co-authors-case-series-demonstrating-feasibility-of-ketogenic-diet-for-patients-with-obesity-binge-eating-food-addiction-symptoms/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.wsj.com/health/can-ozempic-treat-binge-eating-for-some-the-answer-is-yes-dbdc009f?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://journals.bioscientifica.com/mah/article/4/1/MAH250015/77637/Long-term-adherence-to-the-carnivore-diet-and-its https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms4654 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6546328/ Videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cThdgRm9ApE Additional resources https://brainenergy.com/ Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

  • October 6 · 40 min

    Dementia Prevention Through a Metabolic Lens

    Alzheimer’s disease is usually discussed in terms of plaques, tangles, and genetics. Dr. Stephen Cunnane has spent years studying another piece of the puzzle: what happens when the aging brain can no longer use glucose efficiently, and whether ketones can help fill that energy gap. In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher and Dr. Cunnane discuss the metabolic side of cognitive decline, including insulin resistance, brain glucose metabolism, and why metabolic health may play an important role in both prevention and treatment. They cover: Why brain glucose utilization declines with age and Alzheimer’s disease How ketones may provide an alternative fuel for the brain What clinical trials of ketogenic diets, MCTs, and exogenous ketones have found so far Why some studies show improvements in quality of life or daily function even when cognitive measures change less What APOE4 may mean for treatment and prevention Why type 2 diabetes is such an important modifiable risk factor for dementia The roles of exercise, carbohydrate reduction, MCTs, and other lifestyle strategies Why Dr. Cunnane believes prevention should begin long before cognitive symptoms appear Dr. Cunnane also shares news about SPARCUS, the Sprott Prevent Alzheimer Research Collaboration at the University of Sherbrooke. The new program will support research and education around multi-domain metabolic approaches to cognitive health, including reduced carbohydrate intake, MCTs, exercise, and omega-3 supplementation. The research is still evolving, but Dr. Cunnane argues that we already know enough about metabolic health to start taking modifiable dementia risk factors more seriously. 👉 Want to stay up to date with the latest research on metabolic health and metabolic psychiatry? Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #AlzheimersDisease #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy Expert Featured: Dr. Stephen Cunnane https://recherche-cerveau-sherbrooke.ca/en/laboratory-team/ Resources Mentioned: https://event.fourwaves.com/kc-5 Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

  • October 4 · 7 min

    BITESIZE: Dr. Georgia Ede’s Guide to Better Mental Health in College

    College can be one of the most exciting times of your life, but it can also put enormous pressure on a brain that's still developing. Psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Ede spent 12 years working as an on-campus psychiatrist at Harvard University and Smith College. In this video, she explains why college can be such a vulnerable time for mental health and how sleep, nutrition, alcohol, smoking, vaping, and other everyday habits may affect brain metabolism and resilience. Dr. Ede explores the role of oxidative stress, why blood sugar and insulin matter for the brain, and how metabolic health can influence mood, concentration, memory, and the ability to cope with stress. She shares practical strategies students can use on campus, including: Choosing whole foods and reducing refined carbohydrates Making better dining hall and snack choices Prioritizing sleep and regular exercise Limiting alcohol, smoking, and vaping Using a continuous glucose monitor to better understand individual responses to carbohydrates When a very low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet may be worth exploring for mental health concerns Why reaching out for professional support is essential when college starts to feel overwhelming Any dietary changes, especially ketogenic therapy, should be explored with a qualified clinician. This is particularly important for students taking psychiatric medications or anyone with a history of eating disorders or disordered eating. Taken together, these ideas show how metabolic health may support learning and relationships while students manage the everyday pressures of campus life. 👉 Looking for more back-to-school mental health resources for college students? Explore our Back to School blog for stories, science, and practical support for navigating campus life with mental health in mind: metabolicmind.org/resources/library/blog/stories/back-to-school-metabolic-mental-health-guide/ #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #BackToSchool Expert: Dr. Georgia Ede, MD- Author, Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiaedemd/ https://x.com/GeorgiaEdeMD https://www.instagram.com/georgiaedemd/ Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

  • October 1 · 8 min

    BITESIZE: Keto Outperformed Mediterranean and Low-Fat Diets in New RCT for Fatty Liver and Prediabetes

    Does reducing carbohydrates improve metabolic health beyond what can be explained by weight loss alone? Dr. Bret Scher breaks down a new randomized controlled trial published in Cell Metabolism that compared three diets in people with prediabetes and fatty liver disease: a ketogenic diet, a higher-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet, and a very low-fat, plant-forward diet. One challenge with ketogenic diet research is that participants often lose more weight than those in comparison groups, making it difficult to separate the effects of carbohydrate reduction from those of weight loss itself. In this trial, researchers provided all of the meals, and participants achieved greater than 95% dietary compliance. Importantly, all three groups ultimately lost the same 10% of their body weight. That gave researchers an unusual opportunity to compare metabolic outcomes across the three diets without differences in weight loss muddying the picture. And even with weight loss held constant, the outcomes differed. The ketogenic group reduced liver fat by 67%, compared with 45% in the Mediterranean and plant-forward groups, and saw larger improvements in liver insulin sensitivity. Prediabetes remission also occurred in 50% of the ketogenic group, compared with 29% of the Mediterranean group and 7% of the low-fat, plant-forward group. Dr. Scher covers: Why similar weight loss across the three groups makes this trial especially informative How all three diets affected skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity Why liver insulin sensitivity improved more with the ketogenic diet The differences in liver fat reduction between the three groups Prediabetes remission rates across each dietary approach How carbohydrate reduction may suppress liver fat production Changes in the glucagon-to-insulin ratio on ketogenic therapy What the study found about saturated fat, LDL cholesterol, and ApoB Improvements in triglycerides, VLDL, and lipoprotein insulin resistance The study’s limitations, including its small size and 4- to 5-month duration For people with fatty liver disease or prediabetes, this study adds evidence that carbohydrate reduction may produce metabolic benefits beyond those achieved through weight loss alone. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine Expert Featured: Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: Effect of diet macronutrient content on the cardiometabolic response to weight loss: A randomized clinical trial linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1550413126002937 Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice or establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications. In addition, it is important to note that people may respond differently to ketosis, and there isn't one recognized universal response.

  • September 29 · 55 min

    Cynthia Thurlow: Nutrition, Fasting, and Exercise for Perimenopause

    For many women, the wellness strategies that carried them through their 20s and 30s can start to backfire in perimenopause. Changes in hormones, muscle mass, insulin sensitivity, sleep, and stress can make midlife feel like a completely different metabolic landscape. In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with nurse practitioner Cynthia Thurlow about why perimenopause can act like a metabolic stress test. They explore how midlife can change the way women respond to carbohydrates, fasting, exercise, meal timing, and other strategies they may have relied on for years. As Women’s Health Month brings more attention to the health challenges women face across different stages of life, this conversation focuses on one that is still too often misunderstood: the metabolic transition through perimenopause and menopause. They cover: How perimenopause can affect insulin sensitivity and body composition Why preserving muscle becomes increasingly important in midlife The roles of sleep, stress, protein, meal timing, and strength training How intermittent fasting may need to change across the menstrual cycle and menopause When ketosis may help with metabolic symptoms, and why some women may benefit from more dietary flexibility How PMDD and severe PMS may relate to the perimenopause transition Where hormone replacement therapy may fit into an individualized plan The potential role of GLP-1 medications alongside lifestyle changes Why fiber and the gut microbiome deserve more attention during menopause Simple steps women can take now, including walking after meals, improving sleep, and staying well hydrated Cynthia’s message is that while midlife can bring meaningful metabolic and hormonal changes, with the right support, there are practical ways to adjust nutrition, exercise, sleep, and other strategies to support overall health and wellbeing. 👉 Want to stay up to date with the latest research on metabolic health and metabolic psychiatry? Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: metabolicmind.org/about-us/newsletter/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #Menopause #Perimenopause #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #WomensHealth Expert Featured: Cynthia Thurlow, NP https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/ https://www.instagram.com/cynthia_thurlow_/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/cynthiathurlow https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-thurlow/ https://x.com/_CynthiaThurlow https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-wellness-midlife-hormones-menopause-and/id1435214303 https://cynthiathurlownp.substack.com/ Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

  • September 27 · 1 hr 12 min

    How to Build a Vegetarian Ketogenic Diet for Mental Health

    Hannah Warren spent years living with severe bipolar I disorder before discovering metabolic therapies in 2021. Today, Hannah has been in remission for more than five years, is no longer taking psychiatric medication, and works as Metabolic Mind’s Community Engagement & Advocacy Manager, helping others understand the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry. In this course module, created as part of Nutrition Network’s broader low-carb course for vegetarians, Hannah combines her lived experience with practical guidance for using vegetarian and vegan ketogenic approaches to support metabolic and mental health. She explains how ketogenic therapy differs from general healthy eating, how nutritional ketosis changes the fuels available to the brain, and why that shift is being studied in metabolic psychiatry She also takes a detailed look at the practical side of vegetarian and vegan ketogenic therapy, including: How to structure a meat-free ketogenic diet while maintaining ketosis Why ketone testing is especially important for therapeutic use How to think about carb limits, protein targets, and complete protein sources Vegetarian and vegan sources of fat and omega-3s Key micronutrients and supplements to monitor Medication interactions and the importance of clinical supervision How to use lab testing to monitor metabolic health Common foods and meals that can make plant-based keto satisfying and sustainable Positive framing and behavior-change strategies that can support planning and long-term adherence Hannah also shares the mistakes she made when first starting ketogenic therapy, the strategies that helped her refine her approach, and why she believes people should be able to pursue metabolic treatment options without giving up deeply held dietary values. 👉 Learn more about the benefits and implementation strategies for vegetarian low-carb diets with the full Nutrition Network course: courses.nutrition-network.org/p/low-carb-for-vegetarians 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #Vegetarianketo Expert Featured: Hannah Warren https://www.metabolicmind.org/team/hannah-warren/ https://x.com/Radiantbeasting https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-warrenjhoole/ https://www.radiantbeast.com/ https://www.instagram.com/radiant_beasting Resources Mentioned: https://courses.nutrition-network.org/p/low-carb-for-vegetarians Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

  • September 24 · 31 min

    How Experiential Training Builds Clinician Confidence in Ketogenic Therapy

    How can clinicians become more comfortable using ketogenic therapy in mental health care? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Dr. Deanna Kelly about Live It, Launch It!, a training program designed to help clinicians learn ketogenic therapy by experiencing it themselves. Dr. Kelly explains why evidence-based treatments can still take years to reach everyday clinical practice, especially when providers don't feel confident using them. To address that gap, her team recruited clinicians for a program that combined ketogenic therapy education with four weeks of personally following a ketogenic diet and published it as a study: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1913325/full Clinicians started with very low confidence in their ability to use ketogenic therapy. With education alone, those scores improved substantially, and actually living the diet pushed confidence even higher. Participants also reported improvements in mental and physical health, along with an average weight loss of about five pounds. They cover: Why clinician confidence can limit adoption of new treatments How Live It, Launch It! was designed Why experiential learning added more than education alone How clinicians learned to troubleshoot ketosis in real time What participants reported about mood, brain fog, anxiety, and physical health Why group support helped clinicians understand how differently people respond What side effects and challenges came up during the four weeks How this model could be scaled across residency programs and health systems Why the next step is measuring whether clinicians actually use ketogenic therapy more often with patients For Dr. Kelly, the goal is to help clinicians move from knowing about ketogenic therapy to feeling prepared to discuss it and use it in practice as the evidence continues to grow. 📖 Want to learn more about metabolic psychiatry? Check out our blog “Metabolic Psychiatry: A New Lens on Mental Health” to explore how researchers and clinicians are examining the connection between metabolism and mental health: metabolicmind.org/resources/library/blog/stories/metabolic-psychiatry-a-new-lens-on-mental-health/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #KetogenicTherapy #MetabolicPsychiatry #MetabolicMind #LiveItLaunchIt Expert Featured: Dr. Deanna L. Kelly PharmD, BCPP https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-l-kelly-pharmd-bcpp-3a8b299b/ https://www.instagram.com/dr.deanna.kelly/ https://x.com/ProfDeannaK Resources Mentioned: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1913325/full Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

  • September 22 · 53 min

    LDL, ApoB & More: What Really Shapes Heart Disease Risk?

    How should we think about LDL and ApoB, and how much metabolic health changes the cardiovascular risk picture? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with vascular surgeon Dr. Lily Johnston about cholesterol and plaque formation, along with the need to personalize cardiovascular prevention. 👉 Download our Make Sense of Your Cholesterol guide: https://metmind.co/cholesterol-listeners Dr. Johnston brings a unique perspective as both a vascular surgeon who treats advanced blood vessel disease and a physician focused on cardiometabolic prevention. She discusses why ApoB and LDL can play a role in atherosclerosis, while also emphasizing that vascular disease is shaped by many factors, including insulin resistance, diabetes, blood pressure, inflammation, smoking history, fitness, sleep, stress, social connection, and personal goals. They cover: What vascular surgeons treat and why atherosclerosis affects blood vessels throughout the body Why prevention starts long before surgery becomes necessary How LDL and ApoB fit within a broader cardiovascular risk assessment Why metabolic health and insulin resistance deserve more attention How diet, medications, and imaging can help personalize risk assessment Why lowering ApoB may matter more for some patients than others What we still need to learn about lean mass hyper-responders Why curiosity and humility are essential in cholesterol research How patients can ask better questions when the conversation focuses only on LDL This interview offers a thoughtful look at LDL, ApoB, metabolic health, and cardiovascular prevention, with a focus on better conversations between patients and clinicians. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #LDL #ApoB #MetabolicMind #CardiovascularHealth Expert Featured: Dr Lily Johnston https://www.instagram.com/lilyjohnstonmd/ https://www.tiktok.com/@lilyjohnstonmd https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMaFSJtYbK8LQ7AyV31TrgQ https://x.com/lilyej Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

  • September 20 · 7 min

    BITESIZE: Is RFK Right About Saturated Fat? Here's the Truth

    Is saturated fat really the villain it’s been made out to be? Or has decades of poor research and dietary policy misled us? In this video, Dr. Bret Scher dives into the controversy surrounding RFK Jr.'s call to remove the cap on saturated fat, and the Wall Street Journal’s misleading take on it. We explore: ✅ Why saturated fat doesn’t just mean pizza and ice cream ✅ The science behind whole foods vs. processed foods ✅ How carbs, fats, and metabolic health interact ✅ What the evidence really says about saturated fat and heart disease ✅ Why individualized, whole-food diets matter Removing the cap on saturated fat isn’t about giving fat a health halo, it's about making room for nutrient-dense, metabolically supportive diets. 👉Subscribe to Metabolic Mind for more real conversations about metabolic health, metabolic psychiatry, and mental health: https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine #SaturatedFat Expert Featured: Dr. Bret Scher Baszucki Group Medical Director https://x.com/bschermd Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

  • September 17 · 8 min

    BITESIZE: Two LDL Trials. Two Different Results.

    Should LDL be treated? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher explains why the better question is who may benefit from LDL lowering, how aggressively it should be treated, and what outcomes matter most to the individual patient. 👉 Get our free 11-page Cholesterol Guide to better understand your lipid panel and prepare for a conversation with your clinician: https://metmind.co/cholesterol-listeners Dr. Scher reviews two major trials that studied aggressive LDL lowering in very different populations. VESALIUS-CV looked at high-risk patients with serious vascular disease and found that adding a PCSK9 inhibitor reduced both cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. STAREE studied older adults without known cardiovascular disease and found fewer cardiac events with statin therapy, while overall survival and hospitalizations did not change. Disability-free survival also showed no difference He covers: Why LDL treatment depends on the person, not just the number What VESALIUS-CV found in high-risk patients with vascular disease Why STAREE tells a different story in older adults without known heart disease The difference between reducing cardiac events and extending life Why vascular disease should shape how aggressively LDL is treated How age, frailty, cognition, cancer risk, and independence affect the risk-benefit conversation Why LDL may need a different discussion for someone using ketogenic therapy How metabolic health, insulin resistance, and direct evidence of vascular disease fit into the decision These trials illustrate why LDL treatment should be individualized with a healthcare provider. For some patients, aggressive lowering may save lives. For others, the benefits may be smaller or less connected to the outcomes they care about most. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #LDL #CardiovascularHealth #MetabolicMind #MetabolicHealth Expert Featured: Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://x.com/bschermd Resources Mentioned: Effects of Evolocumab on Mortality Outcomes in Patients Without Previous Myocardial Infarction or Stroke: A Prespecified Analysis of the VESALIUS-CV Randomized Clinical Trial https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.126.082436 Atorvastatin, Cardiovascular Events, and Disability-free Survival in Older Adults https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2607314 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzWI83-NWCL5V7N6MjywX5QbkVn9Svi3q&si=oKVT518X1u0rUcMk Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

  • September 15 · 32 min

    Vegan Keto and Bipolar Disorder: Dyane Harwood’s Story

    Is it possible to follow a diet that’s both vegan and keto? And can a diet like that be used as part of a care plan for bipolar disorder? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with author and advocate Dyane Harwood about how she uses a vegan ketogenic diet as part of her treatment for postpartum bipolar disorder. Dyane shares how she first discovered vegan keto, why she started tracking ketones and net carbs, and what she eats in a typical day, from her vegan keto smoothie to tofu, avocado, nut butter, and carefully chosen supplements. She also discusses the practical challenges of vegan keto, including protein intake, B12, omega-3s, magnesium, vitamin D3, eating out, social pressure, and finding a clinical team that understands metabolic psychiatry. They cover: How Dyane discovered vegan keto for bipolar disorder Why ketosis became more important to her than dietary labels What a typical vegan keto day looks like How changing her protein intake affected her ketone levels Why tracking net carbs, glucose, and ketones helped her personalize the diet The supplements she uses, including B12, DHA/EPA, magnesium, vitamin D3, and acetyl-L-carnitine What Dyane reports about changes in her energy, activity level, cravings, and mood Why support, resources, and mentorship can make the process easier How she thinks about progress, flexibility, and improving over time Dyane’s experience offers a personal example of how a vegan ketogenic diet can fit within a broader treatment plan. Her approach is practical and grounded in the idea that progress can start before everything feels perfect. 👉 Learn more about vegan and vegetarian ketogenic approaches on our blog: Is Vegetarian or Vegan Ketogenic Therapy Possible? 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. #VeganKeto #BipolarDisorder #MetabolicPsychiatry #MetabolicMind Expert Featured: Dyane Harwood https://dyane92.wixsite.com/dyaneharwood https://www.linkedin.com/in/dyane-harwood-b41a741b8/ https://www.instagram.com/dyaneharwood/ Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

  • September 13 · 24 min

    Q&A: Why Protein Shakes Leave You Hungry, Fasting, Basal Metabolic Rate & More

    Can therapeutic ketosis be considered for type 1 diabetes and bipolar disorder? In this Metabolic Mailbag episode, Dr. Bret Scher and producer Erica Gerard answer viewer questions about ketogenic therapy, type 1 diabetes, Parkinson’s medications, omega-3s, fasting, protein intake, metabolic rate, and why some protein foods are more filling than others. They cover: The association between type 1 diabetes and serious mental illness Why ketogenic therapy may be possible for some people living with type 1 diabetes, but only with careful medical supervision How Parkinson’s medications can interact with protein timing Whether cooking salmon changes the benefits of omega-3 fats How intermittent fasting can affect protein intake and ketone levels Why MCT oil in coffee may change the meaning of a “fast” What basal metabolic rate means and how ketogenic diets may affect it Why a protein shake may feel less satisfying than meat, even with the same grams of protein From medication timing to protein needs, this episode explores why metabolic therapies work best when they are personalized, measured, and guided by the realities of each person’s health goals and daily life. 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. 🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #FoodAsMedicine Expert Featured: Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://x.com/bschermd Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

  • September 10 · 13 min

    BITESIZE: Cholesterol Results Explained: Beyond the LDL Number

    A red flag next to your LDL number can feel alarming, but LDL is only one part of a much larger cardiovascular risk picture. In this episode of Metabolic Mind, cardiologist and lipidologist Dr. Bret Scher explains how to read a cholesterol panel with more context and less fear. Dr. Scher walks through LDL, triglycerides, HDL, non-HDL cholesterol, ApoB, Lp(a), and the triglyceride-to-HDL ratio. He also explains how the 2026 cholesterol guidelines use the PREVENT risk calculator, where LDL targets currently stand, and why individual risk factors, metabolic health, family history, and direct measures of vascular disease can change the conversation. He covers: Why LDL should not be read in isolation What triglycerides and HDL can reveal about metabolic health Why Dr. Scher pays attention to the triglyceride-to-HDL ratio When LDL above 190 may raise concern for familial hypercholesterolemia Why Lp(a) should be measured at least once in adulthood How ApoB differs from LDL cholesterol What the PREVENT risk calculator includes How coronary calcium scans and CT angiograms act as tools that may help refine risk Why LDL targets vary by risk category Why metabolic health, insulin resistance, and individual preferences and priorities should be part of the discussion A cholesterol panel can start a thoughtful conversation with your healthcare provider. One number rarely tells the whole story, and better decisions come from looking at the full cardiometabolic picture. 📘 Download Making Sense of Your Cholesterol, our free visual guide to understanding your lipid panel and preparing questions for your clinician: https://metmind.co/cholesterol-listeners 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. 🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #Cholesterol #HeartHealth Expert Featured: Bret Scher, MD - Baszucki Group Medical Director & Host of the Metabolic Mind Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-scher-08baaa102/ https://www.instagram.com/drscher858/?hl=en https://x.com/bschermd Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

  • September 8 · 1 hr

    Carnivore vs. Vegan Keto: Can Both Work?

    Can carnivore and vegan diets both be used as ketogenic therapies? In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with registered dietitian Denise Potter about two widely debated approaches to nutrition. They explore how each can be evaluated when someone is considering a ketogenic diet to support psychiatric, neurological, or metabolic health. Denise brings more than 30 years of clinical experience, including approximately 20 years working with medical ketogenic therapies. She explains the importance of risk-benefit analysis, how clinicians can assess potential nutrient gaps, and how lab testing, supplementation when indicated, and individualized support may help identify and manage potential risks. They cover: The difference between a carnivore diet and a carnivore ketogenic diet Why some people report mental and physical health improvements with carnivore ketogenic approaches Common questions about vitamin C, iodine, electrolytes, fiber, calcium, omega-3s, and LDL Why bowel habits and the microbiome require clinical context How a vegan ketogenic diet can be formulated, including Denise’s recommendation to pay close attention to B12 supplementation Protein quality, bioavailability, and amino acid considerations in vegan ketogenic diets The role of tracking, lab work, and follow-up testing How clinicians can evaluate restrictive dietary patterns through a medical risk-benefit lens This conversation offers a practical look at how different ketogenic approaches may be designed, monitored, and adjusted with individualized guidance and appropriate clinical support. 💡 Whether you’re considering a carnivore ketogenic approach or a more plant-based one, the quality of the diet itself can make a significant difference in outcomes. Learn more about what a well-formulated ketogenic diet looks like on our blog: metabolicmind.org/resources/library/blog/perspectives-in-metabolic-psychiatry/well-formulated-ketogenic-diet/ 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. 🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited. #MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #VeganKeto #Carnivore Expert Featured: Denise Potter RDN, CDCES https://advancedketogenictherapies.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PotterDietitianConsulting/ https://www.instagram.com/advancedketogenictherapies/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-ketogenic-therapies/ Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

  • September 6 · 15 min

    Dr. Peter Ballerstedt on Animal Foods & Malnutrition

    Animal-sourced foods are often framed as a problem for human health and environmental sustainability. In this episode of Metabolic Mind, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with forage agronomist and ruminant nutritionist Peter Ballerstedt, PhD (@GrassBased) about livestock, malnutrition, chronic disease, and why restoring metabolic health may require a broader conversation about nutrition and sustainability. Peter shares his reaction to The Cholesterol Code documentary and explains why its message extends beyond cholesterol. He discusses how animal-sourced foods can fit into dietary patterns that may help restore metabolic health, why malnutrition can exist even when calories are abundant, and why the health impact of food deserves a place in the sustainability conversation. They cover: Why diet and metabolic health matter for rural communities How animal-sourced foods may support health restoration Why LDL can be one part of a broader health conversation How obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction can reflect malnutrition Why calories and nutrition are not the same thing How protein quality and indispensable amino acids shape the food systems debate Why livestock and ruminants may play an important role in sustainable agriculture Why restoring metabolic health may require different strategies than maintaining it This conversation offers a deeper look at animal-sourced foods, metabolic health, and sustainability in a world where chronic illness and metabolic dysfunction are increasingly common. 🎥 Watch The Cholesterol Code documentary and join the conversation shaping the future of metabolic health: amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0GS8ZFCYN/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r 🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode. 🎙️ Take the Metabolic Mind Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win! We’d love your feedback on what you’re enjoying, what you’d like to hear more of, and how we can make the podcast even more helpful. Complete the quick survey by September 15 for a chance to win a Metabolic Mind giveaway bundle featuring a Keto-Mojo meter, books from Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede, Metabolic Mind swag, and more. Winners will be notified September 18. Take the survey here: https://metmind.co/survey-listeners No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents and international participants 18+. Ends 9/15/26 at 11:59 PM PT. Void where prohibited. #MetabolicMind #TheCholesterolCode #HeartHealth Expert Featured: Peter Ballerstedt, PhD https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterballerstedt https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Peter-Ballerstedt https://x.com/GrassBased https://www.instagram.com/grassbased/?hl=en Free CME Clinician Trainings: Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon. Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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